Zinedine Zidane was announced as the new coach of the France national football team on Tuesday, a role he described as a dream and the happiest day of his coaching career.
"I’m excited," Zidane stated shortly after his appointment at the French Football Federation (FFF) headquarters in Paris. "The France team makes you dream. We have extraordinary players, an extraordinary team."
Zidane, who previously coached Real Madrid until 2021, replaces Didier Deschamps. He steps into the role after waiting five years for the opportunity, having turned down other club offers during his time away from management. "I told myself that the only thing I wanted to do after Madrid was taking the France team," he said.
French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo confirmed that Zidane has been given a four-year contract. Diallo called the hiring of Zidane "an exceptional moment," acknowledging him as "one of the legends of French soccer."
Zidane, 54, expressed his readiness for the challenge, stating, "I have so many emotions. I am ready for the challenge." He also congratulated Deschamps on his tenure, during which the team won the 2018 World Cup and reached the final of the 2022 World Cup before losing to Spain in the semifinals of the recent tournament.
Zidane indicated that the team's playing style might differ under his leadership. "What motivates me is the game. I was a No. 10. I like goals," he explained. "I was a leader on the field, and now I want to be a leader by experience."
His first matches as coach will be away games against Turkey in the Nations League on September 25, followed by a match in Belgium on September 28. French fans will see Zidane at the Stade de France on October 2 when France plays Italy, a fixture carrying personal significance for Zidane, who was famously sent off against Italy in the 2006 World Cup final.
Zidane's storied playing career began in Marseille, and he went on to play for Cannes, Bordeaux, Juventus, and Real Madrid. He was a pivotal figure in France's 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 victories. His international career ended with the red card in the 2006 final, but he now returns to lead the national team.